Apparatus for cutting and finishing segments of a traveling web

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cutting segments of a traveling elongate material web and finishing marginal edge portions thereof having a supply section, a first edge finishing section wherein up to two edge portions of the web are finished by the application of edge finishing stitches and the like, a scray section, a cutting section for transversely cutting the web into web segments, a transfer section having means for transferring the web segments to a second edge finishing section, and a second edge finishing section wherein the two cut edge portions of the web segments are finished by the application of edge finishing stitches and the like thereon.

limited States Patent [191 Brocklehurst 1 Jan. 28, 1975 [75] Inventor:Charles E. Brocklehurst, Honea Path, SC.

[73] Assignee: Riegel Textile Corporation, Ware Shoals, S.C.

[22] Filed: Jan. 17, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 434,024

[52] US. Cl. l12/121.11,112/121.14 [51] 1nt.Cl D05b 19/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..112/2,10,121.11,121.l2,

STATlON STATION A 6 l l l 3,563,484 2/1971 Bray 242/57.l 3,580,1985/1971 Tced etal 1l2/l2l.ll

3,722,435 3/1973 Elsas A 1l2/121.11 3,745,947 7/1973 Brocklchurst.l12/l21.1l 3.779.186 12/1973 Tecd 112/l21.l4

Primary Examiner-Werner H. Schroeder Attorney, Agent, or F irm Rennie &Edmonds [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for cutting segments of a travelingelongate material web and finishing marginal edge portions thereofhaving a supply section, a first edge finishing section wherein up totwo edge portions of the web are finished by the application of edgefinishing stitches and the like, a scray section, a cutting section fortransversely cutting the web into web segments, a transfer sectionhaving means for transferring the web segments to a second edgefinishing section, and a second edge finishing section wherein the twocut edge portions of the web segments are finished by the application ofedge finishing stitches and the like thereon.

29 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures nd EDGE INISHING STATION ER STATION IS TOINSPECTI N6 8 PACKING PATENIED 3,882,810

sum OEUF 11 o N D IIII Wil PATEIEB JAN28|975 SHEET OBUF 11 PATENTEDJAN281975 SHEET OBUF H PATENIEB JAN 28 i975 SHEET USUF 11 PATEN-TED JAN2 8 I975 SHEET 10 0F 11 APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND FINISHING SEGMENTS OFA TRAVELING WEB BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to devices for handling elongate web materialssuch as textile webs. More particularly the invention relates to anapparatus for cutting segments of a traveling elongate web of textilematerial and the like and finishing marginal edge portions thereof withedge finishing stitching means.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various prior art devices for handlingfabrics wherein a web of the textile material is supplied at one end anda finished product is provided at the output end are known. It has beenconsidered desirable to improve the efficiency of the production of suchfinished fabrics by providing operative devices of various types in theform of movable sewing machines, cutting means, folding means, etc. toperform a series of sequential operations on the material web. Theseoperations generally culminate in the production of a finished webportion. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,186, to Richard K. Teedrelates to a Self-Aligning Edge Stitching Apparatus for Traveling Webswherein a traveling web is provided with edge finishing stitches onfirst and second longitudinal edges by laterally movable stitching meanson each side adapted to move laterally in response to deviations in thelateral position of the edges of the web. My commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 3,745,947, dated July 17, 1973 relates to a Diaper Machine havingfolding, sewing, cutting, conveying and edge finishing sections whichincorporate novel means for centering of the web during folding forregulating the overall width of the finished diaper during sewing of acenter fold, and for conveying diaper segments in a novel manner whilefinishing the edges thereof. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,198to Richard K. Teed, relates to an Apparatus for AutomaticallyFabricating Individual Articles, such as blankets and the like, from acontinuous length of material comprising several operative elementswhich perform a series of sequential operations on the materialresulting in finished articles which are stitched along all four edges.The following patents also relate to methods and devices for handlingfabrics in the form of web materials and the like:

. Pat. No. 947,605 to Tillie; Pat. No. 1,588,340 to Sparks; Pat. No.1,883,177 to Weis; Pat. No. 2,619,057 to Ellis, Sr.; Pat. No. 2,685,664to Visconti; Pat. No. 2,836,135 to Briggs; Pat. No. 3,013,513 toJudelson; Pat. No. 3.043,532 to Seiden; Pat. No. 3,273,522 to Gore, etal.; Pat. No. 3,329,109 to Portnoff, et al.; Pat. No. 3,345,965 to Gore;Pat. 3,385,244 to Ramsey et al.; Pat. 3,417,645 to Brock; Pat. 3,433,187to Haefele, et al.; Pat. 3,477,397 to Hawley; and

U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,113 to Flanagan While these patents relate tovarious improvements in such devices for handling fabrics, none of themrelate to an apparatus for automatically cutting segments of a travelingelongate web of textile material and the like and finishing the marginaledge portions thereof such as l have invented wherein the web segmentsare produced with greater speed and greater accuracy with the resultthat the finished segments are extremely uniform as compared to thosethe prior art. More particularly, these prior art patents donotincorporate or suggest improvements in handling such webs as I haveinvented. My invention provides improved edge finishing, gripping,cutting, and transfer sections which operate on the web in coordinatedtimed operational sequence to provide an improved product withsubstantial improved efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention anapparatus is provided for cutting segments of a traveling elongate webof textile material and the like and finishing the marginal edgeportions thereof. The apparatus is constructed having operationallysequenced supply sections, first edge finishing section, scray section,cutting section, transfer section, and second edge finishing section.Each section is preferably under the control of a multi-cam programmersuch that each operation performed on the web and web segments cuttherefrom is sequentially timed with respect to the other operations.The apparatus comprises a frame and a supply section wherein an elongateweb of textile material is introduced into the input end of theapparatus. The apparatus furthercomprises means for laterally shiftingthe supply means with edge sensing means for sensing lateral variationsof at least one edge portion of the web with respect to the frame. Theapparatus further comprises means for advancing the web in alongitudinal direction along a predetermined path of travel. Theapparatus further comprises means for cutting the web laterally intoindividual web segments with means for uniformly gripping a portion ofthe web forwardly of, and adjacent the cutting means. Gripping meansgrips a portion of the web and maintains the grip while simultaneouslyadvancing the web past the cutting means. Actuating means provides foractuating the cutting means for cutting a web segment from the web. Eachweb segment is transferred to an edge finishing section having aconveyor drum for receiving the web segments upon the outercircumferential surface thereof with belt means circumferentiallycontacting said drum in a secure manner for securing said web materialsthereagainst. The edge finishing section further comprises belt meanscircumferentially contacting said drum in a secure manner for securingthe web segments thereagainst, with means for rotatably driving saiddrum and stitching means for finishing the marginal edge portions whichare cut from the elongate web so as to finish each of the marginal edgeportions in an accurate and improved manner.

Each of the stitching means are driven by substantially similarsynchronous drive means such as synchronous motors, which eliminate theneed for transmission linkages. Such linkages were provided between suchstitching means in the prior art so as to utilize a single motor sourcewith interconnecting drive means, to provide equal traveling speeds forthe edges which are passed through each respective edge finishingstitching means. This avoided wrinkles and distortions in the cloth. Myapparatus assures equal speeds for each finished edge in the edgefinishing section by utilizing similar synchronous drive means whichassures equal drive speeds for each edge finishing means.

In gripping the elongate web segment and extending it past the cuttingarea an improved gripping means is provided together with a movablecarriage which is substantially instantaneously accelerated through theaction of an improved reversible air motor. The gripping means providesa tighter grip and improved releasing action of each web segment. Inaddition, the gripping means provides a greater range of gripping oftextile materials and the like having various thicknesses. The instantaction of the air motor provides greater speeds and improved efficiency.

An advancing means advances the elongate web after cutting a segmenttherefrom past the cutting area of the cutting means thereby providing aminor portion for gripping thereof by the gripping means. Thiseliminates re-threading of the material between laterally positionedguide bars as was necessary in devices of the prior art when thematerial was inadvertently removed from its forwardly advanced position.In those prior art devices it was necessary to re-insert the materialthrough a narrow slot between the guide bars by rethreading it with aknife or other thin elongated object.

The operation of each section of my apparatus is preferably controlledand timed with respect to the other operations by a multi-cam programmerwhich maintains the precise sequential timing of each section.

In the preferred embodiment a first marginal edge finishing section isprovided between the supply section and a scray section, with first andsecond stitching means to provide marginal finishing stitches and thelike along two opposed marginal edges of the traveling elongate web.Sensing means cooperate with actuating means to shift the edge finishingstitching means laterally in response to edge variations sensed by theedge sensing means associated with the web. Also, in the preferredembodiment third and fourth stitching means are provided in the secondedge finishing section such that each web segment finally produced bythe apparatus has finishing stitches on each ofits four sides. However,it is clear that where a supply of cloth is provided with one or moremarginal edges which are prefinished, a total of four stitching means isnot necessary. Therefore, it is within the scope of the presentinvention to provide less than four edge finishing stitching means aswill be seen by the description which follows.

Although in my preferred embodiment overlock (or overedge) stitches areprovided on textile materials and the like to provide finished websegments which preferably can be utilized as dish cloths, etc., othermaterials may be used in combination with overlock edge finishing oralternate equivalent edge finishing means without departing from thescope of the invention. For example, it can be seen that wash cloths,towels, diapers, etc. may be provided by an apparatus constructedaccording to the present invention. I-Iemming means may be provided tofinish 'the edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of theinvention isdescribed hereinbelow with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of the fabric handling apparatus of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view ofthe supply and first edge finishingstation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with portions cut away;

' FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view takenalong lines 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 77 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric transfer carriage takenalong lines 88 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a view, partially in cross-section. taken along lines 99 ofFIG. 8;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are progressive views of the fabric advancing andgripping mechanism of the cutting station;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the second edge finishing stationas viewed in the direction of arrow 13-l3 in FIG. 1 with parts brokenaway;

FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the second edge finishing stationas viewed in the direction of arrow l4l4 in FIG. 1 with parts brokenaway.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of finished web segments with parts cut away,illustrating the interconnecting thread section produced by the overlockstitching machines of the second edge finishing station;

FIG. 16 is a view of the thread section cutting apparatus with partsbroken away taken along lines l616 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the thread section cuttingapparatus taken along lines l717 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a multi-cam programmer forcoordinating and controlling the several components of the apparatus ofthe invention; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. General For thepurpose of the description the terms forward and forward end" refer tothe output end of the apparatus, and the terms rearward and rearwardend" refer to the input end of the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus has five main sections, each of which represents aseparate and distinct operational step in the operation of theinvention. Referring to thedrawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a SupplyStation 10; a First Edge Finishing (or Overlock) Station (or othersuitable fabric marginal edge finishing operation, such as hemming) 12;a Scray 14; Cutting and Transfer Station 15; and a Second Edge Finishing(or Overlock Station 17. After the fourth and final marginal edgefinishing stitching operation is completed, the finished panel isdirected to a transfer means for inspection and packing. The utilizationof a unique combination of improved mechanical fluid operated componentsin the present apparatus results in the production of an improvedproduct with greater efficiency and greater dimensional ranges.

Referring to FIG. I, a base fabric web 34 is fed into the first edgefinishing station 12 from the supply station 10. In the first edgefinishing station 12 a series of marginal edge finishing overlockstitches are placed on opposed marginal portions of the web. Equivalentmarginal finishing operations such as hemming and the like, are alsocontemplated by the invention. After the first overlock stichingoperation, the web proceeds forwardly into a scray 14, the function ofwhich is to permit a sufficient quantity of web 34 to accumulate in arelaxed condition prior to the remaining operations.

The web is then directed into the cutting and transfer station 15 inwhich a web segment 218 is dropped into a transfer belt which turns itsmovement approximately 90 toward the second overlock station 17. In thesecond overlock station, the third and fourth (or final) marginal edgefinishing operations are performed to complete the finished web segment.After passing through the second overlock stitching station, the web isdirected to transfer belt which carries it to an inspection and stackingstation. The inspection and stacking station is now shown in thedrawings.

2. Supply Section Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1and 2 thereof, a fabric handling apparatus constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention has been illustrated. Beginning withthe supply station 10, a roll 16 of web material 34 suitable for themanufacture of finished fabric sections such as washcloths, diapers,towels and the like, is mounted at the input end of the machine onlongitudinal structural members 18 connected to vertical structuralmembers 21 and plates 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roll 16is mounted on bar 22 which rests across member 18. Longitudinal members18 and and transverse vertical plate 24 form a movable carriage 23 whichis movable in a transverse direction on shafts 26 and 28 throughbearings 30 and 32 respectively. Actuation of cylinder 33, which ispreferably of the hydraulic fluid type, shifts the entire carriage 23.Since input roll 16 is positioned on the carriage 23, the position ofroll 16 is adjusted by transverse movements of the entire carriage 23 onshafts 26 and 28.

The web 34 passes from the input roll downwardly and turns upwardlyabout a lower idler roll 36 which is rotatably mounted on the inputstructural framework. The web then proceeds upwardly and passes throughtensioning unit 39 having tensioning rolls 38, 40 and 42 as shown inFIG. 2. A typical tensioning unit contemplated by the invention is theMount Hope Open-Width Tensioning Control Unit marketed by Mount HopeMachinery Company, Taunton, Massachusetts. These tensioning rolls turnthe direction of the web 34 such that it enters the first marginal edgefinishing station in a substantially horizontal position, whileproviding tension on the web between the tensioning unit 39 and powerednip rollers 113 and 115 which will subsequently be described.

Intermediate the idler rolls 36 and 38 and along the side of web 34, ispositioned a sensor switch assembly 44 which includes air operated edgesensing means to sense the interruption of air flow between spacedelements of the switch. The sensing elements are air operated and sensethe lateral position of the edge of the web with respect to the switch.When web 34 moves out of its preset position, a signal is generated bysensing switch 44 to a central Air Pressure-Hydraulic Power Unit 46which in turn, will actuate hydraulic cylinder 33 which shifts carriage23 as required to adjust the lateral position of the input roll 16. Whenthe edge of the web tracts evenly in its preset lateral position, nointerruption of the airflow through sensing switch 44 will take placeand, therefore, there will be no movement of input carriage 23.

The Air Pressure-Hydraulic Power Unit 46 is preferably of the type whichcontains control valves adapted to receive a signal in the form of adifferential air pressure and will, in turn, control the transmission ofhydraulic fluid under pressure to the appropriate hydraulic cylinder. Anexample of a central Air Press- Hydraulic Control Unit contemplated bythe invention is Model P50-3 which is marketed by the Fife Corporation,Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

3. First Edge Finishing Stitching Station Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3and 4, there is shown the first marginal edge finishing station and itsassociated drive components. In this section the first two opposedmarginal portions of the web are finished with overlock stitches.

Motor 48 drives pulley 50 which in turn, drives transversely groovedtiming belt 52, which drives correspondingly grooved pulley 54. Pulley54 is supported on shaft 55 journaled at one end in bearing 49 supportedin bracket member 49a as shown in FIG. 3. Pulley 54 in turn drivespulley 56 through the agency of clutch unit 59 and shaft 58 which isjournaled in bearing 51 supported in bracket 51a as shown in FIG. 3.Shaft 58 is in turn drivingly connected to gear reducer 62.

Pulley 56 is also connected by the double faced, laterally groovedtiming belt 63 to drive pulleys 60, 64 and 66 with central pulley 64rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of pulleys and 66 asshown in FIG. 4. As can be seen particularly in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5,pulley 66 is connected to shaft 80, journaled in bearings 81 and 83, todrive laterally grooved, extra width pulley 82. Pulley 82 is in turn,connected by single faced laterally grooved timing .belt 84 whichcooperates to drive pulley 86 in the same direction as pulley 66 asshown in FIG. 4. Pulley 86 drives shaft 88 which is connected to drivethe upper overlock stitch sewing machine 90 fed by input supply yarns69.

The drive mechanism for driving lower overlock stitching machine 78 willnow be described. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, pulley 64 whoserotation is opposite to that of pulleys 60 and 66, is connected topulley by connector 71 to form, in effect, a double pulley as shown inFIG. 5. Pulley 65 drives belt 73 which drives pulley on shaft 68. Shaft68 is rotatably supported by depending bracket member 77 andrespectively through bearings 67 and 67a. Shaft 68 drives extra widthlaterally grooved pulley 70 which is drivingly connected to groovedpulley 74 through laterally grooved cooperating timing belt 72. Shaft 76is driven by pulley 74 and is connected to rotatably operate loweroverlock stitching machine 78 which is fed by input supply yarns 79.

Referring once again to the power unit 48, pulley 56 is adapted throughthe agency of coupling 87 to drive the input shaft 89 of gear reducer62. Gear reducer 62 drives sprocket gear 92 which drives sprocket gear94 through link chain 96. Sprocket gear 94 is connected through driveconnector 98 to drive lower sprocket gear 100 which is drivinglyconnected to rotate upper sprocket gear 102 through link chain 104. Gear102, in turn, rotates nip rollers 113 and 115 on shafts 113a and 115ajournaled in sets of bearings 107 and 109, respectively, in verticalstructural members 106 and 111. Nip rollers 113 and 115 draw web 34through the sewing section as is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In operation, the web 34 enters the sewing section in a horizontalposition, as is shown in FIG. 2, and a first marginal edge portionpasses through air operated edge sensing switch 108 and then throughoverlock sewing machine 78 which finishes the marginal end portion ofthe web by applying a continuous series of criss-cross overlock stitchestherealong. When the lateral positioning of the web shifts from apredetermined position the interruption (or change) of air flow in theedge sensing device 108 transmits a signal to the Air Pressure-Hydraulic Control Unit 46. Control Unit 46 then actuates hydrauliccylinder 110, shown in FIG. 3, which is adjustably connected throughslotted openings (not shown) to the transverse frame member 117 and isadapted to adjust the lateral position of table 112 and overlock stitchsewing machine 78 which is supported thereon. It can be seen that theuse of the laterally grooved wide width pulley 70 and single facedlaterally grooved timing belt 72 permit transverse movement of thesewing machine and pulley 74, while belt 72 merely shifts it lateralposition relative to the rotating pulley 70. Thus, by pre-settingsensing means 108 and the position of overlock stitching machine 78, theoverlock stitches are always applied to the identical marginal portionsof the web, notwithstanding minor variations in width between the boltsof cloth which may be used. In addition, major variations in the widthsfrom bolt to bolt may be made by preadjusting the sewing machine and theedge sensing devices. v

After passing through overlock stitching machine 78 the direction of theweb is then reversed about idler rollers 114 and 116 and then passesthrough air operated edge sensing switch 118 prior to passing throughthe overlock stitch sewing machine 90 for applying overlock stitches tothe opposite marginal portion of the web. Air operated sensing device118 tracks the second marginal edge portion of the web 34 to senseshifting of the web from its preset position. When the lateral positionof the second marginal edge portion of the web shifts from its presetposition, sensing switch 118 transmits a signal to AirPressure-Hydraulic Power Unit 46. When Air Pressure-Hydraulic Power Unit46 transmits an appropriate signal to cylinder 122 the position of table126 is adjusted and the lateral position of sewing machine 90 withrespect to web 34, is correspondingly adjusted. This maintains thelateral positioning of overlock stitching machine 90 relative to theopposite marginal portion of web 34. Hydraulic cylinder 122 isadjustably connected to transverse frame member 120 through slottedopenings (not shown).

After the application of edge finishing stitches to the second marginalportion ofthe web 34, it proceeds forwardly out of the second sewingmachine 90. The web reverses its direction about idler rollers 128 and130 and is then drawn through powered nip rollers 113 and 115 and intothe Scray Section 14 which will be described in further detail.

4. Scray The function of the scray 132 is to permit a sufficientquantity of web 34 to accumulate in a relaxed condition prior to theremaining operations in a manner which is similar to the scray disclosedin my commonly assigned US. Pat. No. 3,745,947 dated July 17, 1973.

The scray essentially includes a bin 132a between Iongitudinal framemembers 134 and 136, supported on a shaft 138 which is pivotable withrespect to frame members 134 and 136. When the bin 132a has been filledto a predetermined weight, switch 140 is actuated by rotatably pivotedmember 142 to interrupt the flow of web material into the first overlockstitching section by interrupting the power to motor 48. When the web isremoved from the scray by the transfer and cutting section, as will behereinafter described, a counterweight (not shown) will cause the scrayto return upwardly thereby rotating member 144 to actuate switch 140a torestore power to motor 48 thereby reactivating the overlock stitchingsection of the apparatus and causing additional web material to beprocessed forwardly into the scray.

5. Cutting and Transfer Station a. Cutting Section Referring now toFIGS. 6 through 12, there is illustrated the Cutting and Transferstation of the apparatus. The fabric cutting and advancing section willfirst be described. The web 34 proceeds out of the scray and is threadedthrough fabric guide member 146 to which bristle (or nylon) brush 148 isconnected and is positioned to adjustably apply pressure to the web tosecure it and maintain it in a flattened condition against table 150.

Referring to FIG. 7, air cylinders 156 are connected to links 160 whichare rotatably connected about pivot member 163 to rotate fabricadvancing plate 162 between the upward position shown in FIG. 10 and thedownward position of FIG. 11. Air cylinders 168 are secured on each sideof the apparatus to frame members 210. Shafts 1680 are connected toblock and a thin fabric support plate 155 for forward and rearwardmovement of the fabric advancing mechanism to either of positions A or8" shown in FIG. 11 or the corresponding positions D or C shown in FIG.10 with fabric advancing plate 162 in the rotated position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, air cylinder 208 is connected to link 212 whichrotates about transverse pivot shaft 214a. Shaft 214a is rotatablysupported in frame members 210 at each end to rotate stationary toothedsprocket wheels 214 on each end thereof. Mechanically cooperatingtoothed members 216 are movable upwardly and downwardly by the rotationand mechanical cooperation with sprocket wheels 214. Toothed members 216are secured to L-shaped bracket member 153 which is slidably mounted ongrooved plates 153a secured to vertical plate members 210 at each sideof the apparatus as shown in FIG. 7. Movable cutting member 152 issecured to the underside of L-shaped bracket member 153 for upward anddownward vertical movement passed lower stationary cutting member 154.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 11, the cutting of the web segment andthe advancing of the web 34 will be described. The web segment 218 iscut between the cutting edges of cutting members 152 and 154 by ashearing action when the upper cutter 152 moves downwardly passed thelower stationary cutter 154. At the time of the cutting the free endportion of the web is gripped with within the jaws of a gripper which isextended to its forward limit position away from the cutting area by apredetermined distance which corresponds to the desired length of theweb segment. Gripper 175 is comprised of gripping members 172 and 174rotatably connected by bracket 173 and hinge 179. Hinge 179 ispreferably of the type generally referred to as a piano hinge.

Also, the web 34 is secured in position in the cutting area by thetransverse rotatable fabric advancing plate 162 which is in the positionA shown in FIG. 11 in phantom lines against the upper surface of plate155 which is slidable along the upper surface of the lower cuttingmember 154. The dual gripping arrangement provides secure positioning ofthe web segment during cutting and thereby facilitates accurate andimproved cutting action of the web material. Slidable plate 155 providessupport for the fabric and carries it forwardly for gripping andcutting. This assures that the fabric is positively secured and advancedin a uniform manner.

After cutting, the gripping members 172 and 174 of gripping mechanism175 release the web segment 218 and it is permitted to drop onto thetransfer conveyor 220, shown clearly in FIGS. 1 and 6. The transferconveyor 220 transports the web segment 218 to the second overlockstitching station as will be described.

Referring once again to the fabric advancing and gripping mechanism, theremaining portion of the cutting sequence will be described. After theweb segment 218 is dropped to the conveyor belt 220 air cylinders 168are then programmed to actuate the fabric advancing plate 162 and fabricsupport plate 155 to the position B, shown in solid lines in FIG. 11.This forward movement causes the remaining portion of web 34 to moveforwardly until a minor portion 177 of the web overhangs stationarycutter 154 as shown in FIG. 11. Approximately simultaneously therewith,gripping mechanism 175 is in an open position and is being shiftedrearwardly toward the cutting area by transfer carriage 192 (as will bedescribed) after having released the previously cut web segment.

Upon arriving at the cutting area as shown in FIG. 11 the grippingmechanism 175 grips the overhanging fabric segment 177 as shown in FIG.9 by the actuation of air cylinders 178. Once minor fabric segment 177is securely gripped within jaws 172 and 174 of the gripping mechanism175, actuators 156 rotate fabric advancing plate 162 upwardly aboutpivot member 163 to the position C shown in phantom lines in FIG. 10.Fabric gripping mechanism 175 is carried forwardly byv carriage 192 aswill be described. The forward movement of the gripping mechanism 175serves to draw a greater length of segment of the web past the cuttingmembers and out of the scray. At about the same time, air cylinders 168are programmed to retract and shift the entire fabric advancingmechanism rearwardly. This includes the fabric advancing plate 162 whichis in the upwardly rotated position, as well as the thin fabric supportplate 155. This rearward motion moves fabric advancing plate 162 to theposition D shown in solid lines in FIG. 10.

Prior to cutting, air cylinder 156 is programmed to rotate plate 162 tothe position A shown in phantom lines in FIG. 11 such that the fabricadvancing plate 162 secures the web 34 against the upper surface 155a ofa thin fabric support plate 155. This is accomplished by actuation ofthe actuator 156 which extends rod 156a thereof. At this time the end ofthe fabric is gripped in gripper 175 while in its forward limitposition. Thus the fabric is secured at two positions when cuttingmember 152 moves downwardly to cut the extended web segment 218. Aftercompletion of the cutting the gripper releases the fabric and it ispermitted to fall onto conveyor 220 and the advancing and cutting cycleis repeated.

It should be emphasized that the gripping mechanism 175 is actuated toeither of a gripping or a release position by three air cylinders 178.This is particularly advantageous since the gripping forces arecontrolled and limited by the available pressure of the air supplied toeach air cylinder 178. Thus, notwithstanding the thickness of the webmaterial the gripping forces applied are always substantially identical.For example, where the web material is thin, the rotational travel ofthe gripping member 172 (and correspondingly the rotational travel ofhinge 179) is greater than the case ofa thicker web segment. The lengthof travel of the piston rods 178a of air cylinders 178 will be reducedcorresponding to the increased thickness of the web material and the airpressure on the pressure side of the piston of the air cylinder willalways be the same because available pressure of the air supply isapproximately constant.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, fabric advancing carriage 192 is in thefull forward limit position against shock absorber 201 and adjustablepositive stop 198, just prior to cutting. Fabric web 34 has overlockstitches on each of its two opposed longitudinal marginal edge portionsand is extended through cutting members 152 and 154. Movable cuttingmember 152 is in its upward position. Air cylinder 208, shown in FIG. 7,is then programmed through the multi-cam programmer previouslymentioned, to retract piston rod 208a in an upward direction therebyrotating link 212 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7. Therotation of link 212 rotates sprocket wheel 214 in a clockwise directionto lower movable cutter 152 downwardly passed stationary cutter 154.This provides the shearing action between the cutting members necessaryto cut the fabric. When the cutting action is completed the cut fabricportion 218 drops onto intermittently driven endless transfer belt 220and is carried in the transfer section toward the second overlockstitching station as will be described. The rearward travel of carriage192 is limited by engagement with an adjustable positive stop (notshown); also its momentum is absorbed at least in part by shock absorber199 in combination with spring 1990 as shown in FIG. 7.

b. Fabric Transfer Section The web conveyor 220 is comprised of straps220 intermittently driven about short barrel-like rotating members 221mounted at the rearward end on shaft 220 journaled in bearings 224 and226. Similar members 220 are mounted for rotation with shaft 222 at theforward end as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 and particularly in FIG. 13.Referring to FIG. 6, variable speed drive 230 which is comprised ofmotor 230a and variable speed gear reducer 230b, is connected by couple232 to clutch brake 234, which is preferably of the magnetic clutchtype. Output shaft 236 of clutch brake 234 drives sprocket wheel 238which drives link chain 240. Link chain 240 drives sprocket wheel 242which rotatably drives shaft 222 to drive the flexible members 2200 ofconveyor 220. At the end ofeach fabric cutting stroke, clutch brake 234is activated for a time sufficient to rotate sprocket wheel 238 andthereby cause conveyor 220 to carry the web segment 218 into the secondoverlock station. Thus, the time during which conveyor 220 is in motioncorresponds approximately to the time necessary to convey the cut websegment .218 in a transverse direction toward the second overlockstation a distance approximately equal to its width plus an appropriateadditional distance for spacing between segments. This time may bevaried according to the desired length of the web segments by adjustingthe multi-cam programmer which will hereinafter be described. Theconveyor motion is intermittent and occurs after completion of eachcutting cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 6 the fabric advancing carriage will be described.Air motor 180 drives sprocket 182 which drives larger sprocket gear 184at a reduced rotational speed through link chain 183. Sprocket gear 184in turn drives sprocket 186 through shaft 189. Sprocket 186 drivesendless link chain 188 around sprocket gear 190 which is connected tothe fabric advancing carriage 102 through bracket member 195.

The extreme forward position of carriage 192 is limited by itsengagement with-adjustably positioned positive stop 198 and shockabsorber 201. As can be seen in FIG. 8, shock absorber 201 and positivestop 198 are adjustable to various positions along the slotted platemember 202 which receives adjustable anchoring bolt 203. Coarseadjustments of the position of positive stop 198 are made by adjustablyshifting the entire stop/ shock absorber. The position in which it isset is deter mined by the desired length of the fabric web segment to becut. Fine adjustments are made by turning threaded portion 198a toadjust the positive stop 198 as can be seen in FIG. 8. When the transfercarriage 192 is slidably driven toward the cutting section to theposition shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, its movement is limited by itsengagement with an adjustably positioned rearward positive stop (notshown) and shock absorber 199 shown in FIG. 7.

In operation, when air motor 180 is programmed to rotate in a clockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 6, the motion of link chain 188 is in acorresponding clockwise direction. This advances carriage 192 rearwardlytoward the fabric cutting area with members 197 slidably moving alongrails 193 and 195. Once the fabric gripping mechanism 175 grips theoverhanging fabric portion 177 as previously described, the air supplyto air motor 180 is reversed through the action ofa multicam programmer.At this time fabric advancing plate 162 is in the forward upwardlyrotated position C as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 10. The reversal ofthe air supply to motor 180 reverses motor 180 causing carriage 192 toadvance forwardly away from the cutting section of the apparatus whilegripping mechanism 175 simultaneously grips fabric web 34 tightly andevenly between jaws 172 and 174 as has been described. It can be seenthat the use of an air motor as described, for transferring carriage192, is advantageous over the air cyclinders which were utilized forshifting fabric in devices of the prior art. This is particularly due tothe improved relatively accelerated carriage movement which is providedby the almost instantaneous responsive action of the air motor comparedto prior art air devices which utilized air cylinders to shift fabrictransfer mechanisms.

6. Second Overlock Stitching Station Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14there is illustrated the second overlock station of the apparatuswherein the two remaining widthwise cut marginal end portions of thefabric segment 218 are finished by the application of overlock (oroveredge) stitches. Third overlock stitching machine is driven asfollows. Synchronous motor 298 rotatably drives laterally grooved timingbelt 304 through pulley 300. Timing belt 304 drives pulley 303 which,through the agency'of shaft 251, drives third overlock stitching machine302.

Fourth overlock stitching machine is driven as follows. Referring toFIG. 14, synchronous motor 244 drives pulley 246 which is drivinglyconnected to the fourth overlock stitching machine 254 by laterallygrooved timing belt 248. Timing belt 248 drives pulley 250 which inturn, drives overlock stitching machine 254 through shaft 252.

In addition, motor 244 drives pulley 256 which drives grooved timingbelt 258 connected to pulley 260. Pulley 260 is connected to variablespeed reducer 262 which, through couple 264, drives shaft 266 slidablewithin tubular shaft 268 and rotatably connected thereto throughtransverse pin 270. Shaft 268 is journaled in bearing 272 which issupported in structural plate members 274. Shaft 268 drives pulley 276which drives grooved timing belt 278. Belt 278 rotatably drives pulley280 which rotates shaft 282 journaled in bearings 284 which aresupported in structural plate members 274a and 274b. Shaft 284 drivescylindrical driving roll 286 around which endless straps 288 are driven.Endless straps 288a and 288b drive rotatably mounted drum 290 by theirintimate contact therewith through several properly positioned idlerrollers 292 as shown in FIG. 13. The endless straps 288a and 288b areproperly tensioned by adjusting the position of idler roller 292 throughspring biased crank 294 which is pivotal about pivot 296 to adjustablytighten the flexible belts 288. Drum 290 is comprised of sections 290aand 29011 which are slidable toward and away from each other toaccomodate web segments 218 of various sizes as can be seen clearly inFIG. 14. The width of the drum is variable by moving sections 290a and29012 toward and away from each other depending upon the desired widthof the fabric segment.

It can be seen that the use of synchronous motors 298 and 244 isadvantageous since the rotational speed of such motors is continuouslymaintained at constant levels regardless of variations in availablevoltage and power. This permits the use of separate motors for eachoverlock stitching machine thereby providing identically synchronizedaction at each sewing machine without costly and space consumingtransmission linkages driven by a single common drive means. Further,prior art devices having fabric handling devices of this type generallyincluded such power transmission linkages between the fabric carryingmembers such as between the adjustable drum sections 2900 and 29%. Byintroducing additional mechanical linkages and components between thedrum sections this arrangement reduced the travel of the drum sectionstoward and away from each other thereby reducing the dimensional rangesof web segments which can be handled. On the other hand, the presentarrangement permits greater travel of these sections and hence, agreater range of web segment widths. In addition, as a result ofsynchronous motors 298 and 244,'the sewing rate of each sewing machines54 and 302 is precisely synchronized with respect to each other, and theweb is thus carried through the second overlock station continuously andevenly on all sides.

In operation web segment 218 is carried by conveyor 220 toward thesecond overlock station and is transferred to the drum 290 where it iscarried through the second overlock operation between the straps 288 anddrum 290. The segment 218 is secured tightly against the drum in thismanner and is thus secured in firm position through the overlockstitching operations at machines 254 and 302. While web segment 218passes through the third overlock stitching machine 302 the thirdmarginal portion is finished by the application of overlock stitchesthereto. Upon being carried by the rotating drum to the lower overlockstitching machine 254, the fourth (and last) marginal edge portion isfinished by the application of overlock stitches thereto. Upon thecompletion of the last overlock stitching operation the segment istransferred to endless conveyor 218 where it is examined and transportedto a packing station.

As shown in FIG. 15, each web segment 218, after overlock stitching, isconnected by a thread section 306 formed by the continuous operation ofthe overlock stitching machines 254 and 302. As shown in FIG. 13, andparticularly in FIGS. 16 and 17, each thread section 306 is subjected toa cutting operation almost immediately after its respective overlockingoperation. This is accomplished by carrying the marginal edge portion ofeach web segment past the thread section cutting apparatus 308illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. cutting apparatus 308 is comprised ofstationary cutter 310 and oscillating cutter 312. Cutter 312 oscillatesas shown by the arrows in FIG. 17 due to the action of offset bearingextension 314 connected to the outboard end of rotating shaft 315 whichis supported in pillow block 315a. Shaft 315 is an extension of motorshaft 328a. Thus the bearing extension 314 follows an orbital circularpath about the central axis of shaft 315 while bearing against the wallsdefining slot 313 in pivoted crank 320 causing it to oscillate aboutpivot 322 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 17. This motion produces theoscillating action of cutters 312. Simultaneously with the cutting ofeach thread segment between cutters 310 and 312, conduit 324 provides acontinuous vacuum which removes the cut thread section 306. Cutter crank320 is pivotally mounted on support member 326 which in turn, issupported on rotational power source 328.

It should be understood that the aforementioned sequence of operationsis preferably under the control of a multi-cam programmer 330 such as isshown in FIGS. 1, l8 and 19. The programmer 330 comprises an electricmotor 332 which drives shaft 334 through reduction gearing 336. Shaft334 is journaled at one end in a bearing 338. Mounted upon shaft 334 area series of cams 340 which, as shown in FIG. 19, are approximatelycontoured with respect to followers 342 to actuate various switches 344.Thus, the apparatus of the invention has each of its various operationsunder the control of a respective cam 340 and each operation is,therefore, timed precisely with respect to other operations. The variousswitches 344 directly or indirectly actuate motors or valves controllingthe essential functions of the apparatus. In particular, thesignificance of the multi-cam programmer is illustrated with respect tothe cutting and transfer section wherein, as previously described, thesignificance ofthe sequential steps of advancing the fabric, gripping,cutting and transfer, with accuracy in timing, is necessary to theproper functioning of the apparatus.

In accordance with the description, it is therefore evident that theapparatus of the invention uniquely provides for improved production offabric segments having finished marginal edge portions. The improvedgripping mechanism, combined with the improved responsive transfercarriage and fabric advancing, gripping and cutting sections, asdescribed, combined with the improved marginal edge finishing sections.provide accuracy in the production of such web segments in an improvedmanner and with substantial efficiency and speed. Greater dimensionalranges are provided for the finished web segment as well as greateraccuracy and improved quality.

It should be understood that the preferred embodiment of my inventioncomprises an apparatus capable of cutting web segments and finishing allfour edge portions. However, it is evident from the foregoingdescription that other combinations of sections and operative componentsare contemplated within the scope of my invention; particularly when abelt of cloth is provided with one or more finished edge portions. Forexample, my apparatus may include means for cutting web segments andfinishing only the two cut edge portions. In addition, an apparatus maybe provided wherein the first edge finishing station finishes one edgeportion of the web and the second edge finishing station finishes theremaining two cut edges after cutting of web segments from the web.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for cutting segments of a traveling elongate web andfinishing at least two marginal edge portions thereof, the combinationcomprising:

a. a frame having an input end and an output end;

b. a supply section at the input end having means for introducing acontinuous web;

c. edge sensing means adapted to cooperate with an actuating device forshifting the supply means laterally in response to lateral variations ofat least one edge portion of said web with respect to the frame;

d. means for advancing the web in a longitudinal direction along apredetermined path of travel;

e. means for cutting the web laterally into individual web segments;

f. means for uniformly gripping a portion of the web forwardly of andadjacent the cutting means;

g. means for advancing the gripping means forwardly while simultaneouslygripping the web such that a segment portion of said web is extendedpast the cutting means;

h. means to actuate the cutting means for cutting the web segment fromthe web; and

3'. means for transferring said web segment to an edge finishing sectionhaving:

l. a conveyor drum for receiving said web segments upon the outercircumferential surface thereof;

2. belt means circumferentially contacting at least a portion of thesurface of said drum in a secure manner for securing said web segmentsagainst said drum;

3. means for rotatably driving said drum; and

4. first and second stitching means for finishing at least first andsecond cut marginal edge portions of said web, each of said stitchingmeans being independently driven by synchronous motors so as to provideaccurately and uniformly finished marginal edge portions so that each ofthe web segments is finished along at least two of its marginal edges.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a scray sectionhaving a bin configured and adapted to receive and accumulate the webmaterial prior to cutting web segments therefrom.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a first edgefinishing section between said supply means and said scray sectionhaving:

a. a first stitching means mounted adjacent to the longitudinally movingweb for finishing a first longitudinal marginal edge portion of thelongitudinally moving web, said stitching means being mounted forlateral movement relative to said web;

b. means operatively associated with said first stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge sensing meansassociated with said web;

c. a second stitching means mounted adjacent to the opposite side of thelongitudinal web for finishing a second longitudinal edge portion of thelongitudinally moving web, said stitching means being mounted forlateral movement relative to said web; and

(1. means operatively associated with said second stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge sensing meansassociated with said web.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising means foradvancing a minor portion of the web forwardly of the cutting meansafter cutting a segment therefrom, said minor portion facilitatinggripping of the web by said gripping means.

5. An apparatus for cutting segments of a traveling elongate web oftextile material and the like and finishing the marginal edge portionsthereof, the combination comprising:

a. a frame having an input end and an output end;

b. a supply section at the input end having means for introducing acontinuous web of said material;

c. edge sensing means adapted to cooperate with an actuating device forshifting the supply means laterally in response to lateral variations ofat least one edge portion of said web with respect to the frame;

d. means for advancing the web in a longitudinal direction along apredetermined path of travel;

e. a first edge finishing section adjacent the supply section having:

1. a first stitching means mounted adjacent to the longitudinally movingweb for finishing a first longitudinal marginal edge portion ofthelongitudinally moving web, said stitching means being mounted forlateral movement relative to said web;

2. means operatively associated with said first stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge variationssensed by the edge sensing means associated with said web;

3. a second stitching means mounted adjacent the opposite side of thelongitudinal web for finishing a second longitudinal marginal edgeportion'of the longitudinally moving web, said stitching means beingmounted for lateral movement relative to said web; and

4. means operatively associated with said second stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge variationssensed by the edge sensing means associated with said web;

f. means for cutting the web laterally into individual web segments;

g. means for uniformly gripping a portion of the web in the cutting areaof said cutting means;

h. means for advancing the gripping means forwardly while simultaneouslygripping the portion of the web such that a portion of said web isextended past the cutting means;

i. means to actuate the cutting means for cutting a web segment;

j. means for transferring said web segments to a second edge finishingsection having:

1. a conveyor drum for receiving said web segments upon the outercircumferential surface thereof, said drum being comprised of sectionsadapted for movement toward and away from each other for varying thewidth thereof;

2. belt means circumferentially contacting at least a portion of thesurface of said drum in a secure manner for securing said web materialsagainst said drum;

3. means for rotatably driving said drum; and

4. third and fourth stitching means, a first stitching means adjacentthe upper portion and the second stitching means adjacent the lowerportion of said rotating drum, said stitching means adapted forfinishing the third and fourth marginal edge portions of said web, eachof said stitching means being independently driven by synchronousrotational drive means so as to provide accurately and uniformlyfinished marginal edge portions so that each of the web segments isfinished along all four of its edges.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising a scray sectionbetween the first edge finishing section and the cutting means, saidscray section having a bin configured and adapted to accumulate the webmaterial having two of its longitudinal marginal edge portions finishedthereby permitting said material to accumulate in a relaxed conditionprior to the cutting of each web segment.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said gripping meanscomprises two gripping members movable from a first closed web grippingposition to a second opened position, said members being connected by alaterally positioned hinge in a manner which provides uniform and evengripping of the laterally extending marginal edge portion of said webafter cutting a segment therefrom.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising means foradvancing a small segment of said traveling web into a gripping areabeyond said cutting means to provide a small portion of said web forgripping by said gripping means prior to advancing said web past thecutting means for cutting a segment there from.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said conveyor drum of saidsecond edge finishing section is comprised of two sections adjustablymovable toward and away from each other, and said stitching means aremovably adjustable in directions corresponding to the directions ofmovement of said drum sections, said ad justable movability of said drumsections and stitching means thereby facilitating the application ofedge finishing on web segments of variable lengths.

1. An apparatus for cutting segments of a trAveling elongate web andfinishing at least two marginal edge portions thereof, the combinationcomprising: a. a frame having an input end and an output end; b. asupply section at the input end having means for introducing acontinuous web; c. edge sensing means adapted to cooperate with anactuating device for shifting the supply means laterally in response tolateral variations of at least one edge portion of said web with respectto the frame; d. means for advancing the web in a longitudinal directionalong a predetermined path of travel; e. means for cutting the weblaterally into individual web segments; f. means for uniformly grippinga portion of the web forwardly of and adjacent the cutting means; g.means for advancing the gripping means forwardly while simultaneouslygripping the web such that a segment portion of said web is extendedpast the cutting means; h. means to actuate the cutting means forcutting the web segment from the web; and i. means for transferring saidweb segment to an edge finishing section having:
 1. a conveyor drum forreceiving said web segments upon the outer circumferential surfacethereof;
 2. belt means circumferentially contacting at least a portionof the surface of said drum in a secure manner for securing said websegments against said drum;
 3. means for rotatably driving said drum;and
 4. first and second stitching means for finishing at least first andsecond cut marginal edge portions of said web, each of said stitchingmeans being independently driven by synchronous motors so as to provideaccurately and uniformly finished marginal edge portions so that each ofthe web segments is finished along at least two of its marginal edges.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a scray sectionhaving a bin configured and adapted to receive and accumulate the webmaterial prior to cutting web segments therefrom.
 2. belt meanscircumferentially contacting at least a portion of the surface of saiddrum in a secure manner for securing said web segments against saiddrum;
 2. means operatively associated with said stitching means formoving said support and said stitching means laterally in response toedge sensing means associated with said web; g. means for cutting theweb laterally into individual web segments; h. means for uniformlygripping a portion of the web forward of and adjacent to the cuttingmeans, said gripping means having gripping members rotatably connectedby a laterally positioned hinge for rotatable movement toward and awayfrom each other from a web gripping position to an open position; i.means for advancing the gripping means forwardly while simultaneouslygripping the portion of the web such that a predetermined of said web isextended past the cutting means; j. means to actuate the cutting meansfor cutting a web segment; k. means for transferring said web segment toa second marginal edge finishing section, said second edge finishingsection having:
 2. belt means circumferentially contacting at least aportion of the surface of said drum in a secure manner for securing saidweb materials against said drum;
 2. belt means circumferentiallycontacting at least a portion of the surface of said drum in a securemanner for securing said web materials against said drum;
 2. meansoperatively associated with said first stitching means for moving saidstitching means laterally in response to edge variations sensed by theedge sensing means associated with said web;
 3. a second stitching meansmounted adjacent the opposite side of the longitudinal web for finishinga second longitudinal marginal edge portion of the longitudinally movingweb, said stitching means being mounted for lateral movement relative tosaid web; and
 3. means for rotatably driving said drum; and
 3. means forrotatably driving said drum;
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2further comprising a first edge finishing section between said supplymeans and said scray section having: a. a first stitching means mountedadjacent to the longitudinally moving web for finishing a firstlongitudinal marginal edge portion of the longitudinally moving web,said stitching means being mounted for lateral movement relative to saidweb; b. means operatively associated with said first stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge sensing meansassociated with said web; c. a second stitching means mounted adjacentto the opposite side of the longitudinal web for finishing a secondlongitudinal edge portion of the longitudinally moving web, saidstitching means being mounted for lateral movement relative to said web;and d. means operatively associated with said second stitching means formoving said stitching means laterally in response to edge sensing meansassociated with said web.
 3. means for rotatably driving said drum; and4. first and second stitching means for finishing at least first andsecond cut marginal edge portions of said web, each of said stitchingmeans being independently driven by synchronous motors so as to provideaccurately and uniformly finished marginal edge portions so that each ofthe web segments is finished along at least two of its marginal edges.4. a first stitching means positioned adjacent an upper portion of saiddrum, said stitching means being driven by a synchronous motor andadapted for finishing a first cut marginal edge portion of said websegments while said segments are carried through the sewing section ofsaid stitching means during rotation of said drum, said stitching meansbeing adapted to connect edge portions of adjacent segments with athread section;
 4. third and fourth stitching means, a first stitchingmeans adjacent the upper portion and the second stitching means adjacentthe lower portion of said rotating drum, said stitching means adaptedfor finishing the third and fourth marginal edge portions of said web,each of said stitching means being independently driven by synchronousrotational drive means so as to provide accurately and uniformlyfinished marginal edge portions so that each of the web segments isfinished along all four of its edges.
 4. means operatively associatedwith said second stitching means for moving said stitching meanslaterally in response to edge variations sensed by the edge sensingmeans associated with said web; f. means for cutting the web laterallyinto individual web segments; g. means for uniformly gripping a portionof the web in the cutting area of said cutting means; h. means foradvancing the gripping means forwardly while simultaneously gripping theportion of the web such that a portion of said web is extended past thecutting means; i. means to actuate the cutting means for cutting a websegment; j. means for transferring said web segments to a second edgefinishing section having:
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 furthercomprising means for advancing a minor portion of the web forwardly ofthe cutting means after cutting a segment therefrom, said minor portionfacilitating gripping of the web by said gripping means.
 5. An apparatusfor cutting segments of a traveling elongate web of textile material andthe like and finishing the marginal edge portions thereof, thecombination comprising: a. a frame having an input end and an outputend; b. a supply section at the input end having means for introducing acontinuous web of said material; c. edge sensing means adapted tocooperate with an actuating device for shifting the supply meanslaterally in response to lateral variations of at least one edge portionof said web with respect to the frame; d. means for advancing the web ina longitudinal direction along a predetermined path of travel; e. afirst edge finishing section adjacent the supply section having:
 5. asecond stitching means positioned adjacent a lower portion of said drum,said stitching means being driven by a synchronous motor and adapted forfinishing the second cut marginal edge portion of said web segmentswhile said segments are carried through the sewing section of saidsecond stitching means during rotation of said drum, said secondstitching means adapted to connect edge portions of adjacent websegments with a thread section; and
 6. means for removing the threadsections connecting said web segment, each of said finished web segmentshaving uniformly finished marginal edge portions along at least three ofits edges.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising ascray section between the first edge finishing section and the cuttingmeans, said scray section having a bin configured and adapted toaccumulate the web material having two of its longitudinal marginal edgeportions finished thereby permitting said material to accumulate in arelaxed condition prior to the cutting of each web segment.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6 wherein said gripping means comprises twogripping members movable from a first closed web gripping position to asecond opened position, said members being connected by a laterallypositioned hinge in a manner which provides uniform and even gripping ofthe laterally extending marginal edge portion of said web after cuttinga segment therefrom.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7 furthercomprising means for advancing a small segment of said traveling webinto a gripping area beyond said cutting means to provide a smallportion of said web for gripping by said gripping means prior toadvancing said web past the cutting means for cutting a segmenttherefrom.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said conveyordrum of said second edge finishing section is comprised of two sectionsadjustably movable toward and away from each other, and said stitchingmeans are movably adjustable in directions corresponding to thedirections of movement of said drum sections, said adjustable movabilityof said drum sections and stitching means thereby facilitating theapplication of edge finishing on web segments of variable lengths. 10.The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the means for transferringthe cut web segment to The second edge finishing section comprises aconveyor belt upon which the cut web segment is deposited after cutting,said conveyor belt moving in a direction perpendicular to the directionof travel of the elongate web, said conveyor belt being adapted to beactuated intermittently in relation to the intermittent cutting of websegments of web from said elongate web.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10 further comprising a multi-cam programmer adapted to coordinatethe operation of each section of said apparatus such that each operationis timed with respect to the operations performed on the elongate weband the individual web segments cut therefrom.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 11 wherein said intermittently traveling conveyorbelt is operated by means of a motor drive in combination with anintermittently actuated clutch means, said clutch means having a firstpower transmitting engaged position and a second disengaged position,said clutch means being actuated intermittently to the disengatedposition to thereby intermittently stop the motion of said transfer beltcorresponding to time periods during which the traveling web is grippedand transferred and web segments are cut therefrom.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein said intermittent actuation of said clutchmeans to the disengaged position is accomplished and timed through theoperation of said multi-cam programmer.
 14. The apparatus according toclaim 13 further comprising air operated cylinder means connected toadjustably move the supply means laterally at the input end thereof tocorrespond to lateral variations of the longitudinal marginal edge ofsaid web.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the firststitching means in said first edge finishing section for finishing thefirst marginal edge portion of the elongate web is supported upon alaterally movable table and a fluid operated actuating cylinder isadapted to move said table laterally for adjustment of the position ofsaid stitching means relative to the lateral position of said elongateweb.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said secondstitching means in said first edge finishing section for finishing thesecond marginal edge portion of the elongate web is supported upon alaterally movable table and a fluid operated actuating cylinder isadapted to move said table laterally for adjustment of the position ofsaid second stitching means relative to the lateral position of saidelongate web.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16 further comprisinga central fluid pressure control means mounted on said frame forcontrolling the operations of said fluid operated actuating cylinders ofsaid supply section and said first edge finishing section.
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 17 wherein the second edge finishingsection comprises third and fourth stitching means which are adapted toconnect edge portions of adjacent web segments by a thread section, andmeans are provided for cutting said thread sections so as to providesubstantially accurately finished web segments.
 19. The apparatusaccording to claim 18 wherein said synchronous drive means comprisesynchronous motors, said fluid operated actuating cylinders comprisehydraulic cylinders, and said edge finishing means comprise sewingmachines adapted to apply overlock stitches to the marginal edgeportions of said elongate web segments cut therefrom.
 20. An apparatusfor cutting segments of a traveling elongate web of textile material andthe like and finishing the marginal edge portions thereof, thecombination comprising: a. a frame having an input end and an outputend; b. a supply section at the input end having means for introducing acontinuous web of said material; c. edge sensing means adapted tocooperate with an actuating device for shifting the supply meanslaterally in response to lateral variations of at least one edge portionof said web with respect to the frame; d. means for advancinG the web ina longitudinal direction along a predetermined path of travel; e. ascray section having a bin configured and adapted to accumulate the webmaterial in a relaxed condition prior to cutting web segments therefrom;f. a first marginal edge finishing section having:
 21. The apparatusaccording to claim 20 further comprising: a second stitching meansmounted adjacent to the opposite side of said longitudinally moving webin said first marginal edge finishing section for finishing the oppositelongitudinal marginal edge portion thereof, said stitching means beingmounted for lateral movement relative to said web; and means operativelyassociated with said second stitching means for moving said stitchingmeans laterally in response to edge sensing means associated withvariations of the edge of said web with respect to said frame.
 22. Theapparatus according to claim 21 further comprising a carriage adapted tomove reciprocally from a first position forward and adjacent to thecutting portion of said cutting means to a second position apredetermined distance forward of said cutting means corresponding tothe length of the web segment to be cut, said grippinG means beingadapted for gripping said elongate web while said carriage is in thefirst position adjacent to the cutting means and maintaining the gripuntil said carriage is in said second position forward of the cuttingmeans and the web segment is cut from the web, said gripping meansthereby drawing a portion of said web past said cutting means forcutting of a segment therefrom.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22wherein said fabric gripping means comprises at least two web grippingmembers pivotally movable from a first web gripping position to a secondungripped position and at least one of said members is movable by afluid operated actuating cylinder with means operatively connected topivot at least one of the gripping members from the gripped position tothe ungripped position.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 23 whereinat least one of said web gripping members is mounted on a laterallypositioned bracket member which is rotatably connected to the othergripping member by a laterally positioned hinge, said rotatable grippingmember being actuated between the closed web gripping position and theopen position of said gripping members by at least three fluid operatedactuating cylinders secured to said movable carriage at one end thereofand connected at the other end thereof to said rotatable bracket member.25. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said cutting means iscomprised of a lower stationary laterally positioned cutting member andan upper laterally positioned movable cutting member adapted, configuredand positioned to repeatedly move from a first upper position to asecond lower position in shearing engagement with the lower member toprovide shearing of said web when the web is positioned therebetween andthe movable cutting member moves downwardly past the stationary cuttingmember, said movable cutting member being operatively repeatedlyactuated upwardly and downwardly by at least one reciprocally movingfluid operated actuated cylinder connected by linkages appropriatelypositioned and interconnected to provide such movement for said uppercutting member.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 25 wherein saidedge finishing stitching means associated with said first and secondedge finishing sections comprise sewing machines adapted to applyoverlock stitches to said web material and the web segments cuttherefrom.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said edgefinishing stitching means associated with said first and second edgefinishing sections comprise sewing machines adapted for hemming the webmaterial and the web segments cut therefrom.
 28. The apparatus accordingto claim 27 further comprising means for transferring the finished websegments away from the second edge finishing station.
 29. The apparatusaccording to claim 28 wherein said means for transferring the websegments away from the second edge finishing station comprises acontinuously driven conveyor belt.